Erdoğan Hails Breakthrough on Zangezur Corridor: A Strategic Gamechanger for the Region

After meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Kahramanmaraş and hosting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed that a historic agreement is nearing completion between Armenia and Azerbaijan—opening the door to the long-awaited Zangezur Corridor.

Speaking to reporters in Hankendi following the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Summit, Erdoğan revealed that the final draft of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement was agreed upon in late 2024, following diplomatic rounds in Brussels, Moscow, and Tbilisi.

“Although Armenia initially resisted the Zangezur Corridor, it’s now showing greater flexibility in order to participate in regional economic integration,” Erdoğan stated. “This corridor is not only crucial for Azerbaijan, but also offers economic opportunities for Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and other neighboring countries.”

The Zangezur Corridor would link mainland Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan exclave through Armenian territory, creating a land bridge for trade and transit. Turkey envisions the corridor as a linchpin of the broader “Middle Corridor” initiative—a transcontinental route connecting Europe to China via the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

“We see Zangezur not only as a geopolitical asset but as part of a geoeconomic transformation,” Erdoğan said. “Once opened, Turkish exports will reach Central Asia and China more rapidly, while Chinese goods will transit to Europe via Turkey.”

He added that Turkey’s investments in infrastructure—including the Kars-Iğdır-Nakhchivan railway and development projects in Karabakh—will become more efficient and impactful with the corridor’s activation.

A New Era of Regional Integration

Erdoğan described the corridor as “the heart of the Middle Corridor,” asserting that it will strengthen regional connectivity through integrated rail and freight networks. “We are moving step-by-step to realize this vision. The Zangezur line includes a rail component, which will significantly enhance cargo capacity. This will benefit the entire region, not just Turkey and Azerbaijan.”

The Turkish president noted that Iraq also supports the corridor and emphasized that the route through Iğdır to Nakhchivan will form a vital axis of movement for people and goods. “The world is changing, and the region must keep pace. This peace and integration effort will open new windows of opportunity for all,” he added.

Erdoğan asserted that the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement will alter the political climate in the South Caucasus: “This is a rare chance to unlock the untapped potential of a region long marred by conflict and division.”

Turkey Calls for Restraint Amid Russia-Azerbaijan Tensions

Asked about the recent diplomatic tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, Erdoğan urged calm and signaled that Turkey was monitoring the situation closely.

“We have deep strategic ties with both nations and are calling on both sides to show restraint. We believe that through diplomatic engagement, this issue can be resolved without escalating into a broader crisis,” he said.

While Erdoğan acknowledged that the incident had come up during his conversation with President Aliyev, he emphasized Baku’s measured approach. “Ilham Bey is not interested in escalating this matter. I believe they will find a solution that avoids lasting damage to bilateral relations.”

ECO Summit and Regional Dialogue

The Turkish president’s comments came after his participation in the 17th ECO Summit held in Hankendi—symbolically significant as a liberated city following the 2020 Karabakh conflict. Erdoğan used the platform to promote a vision of regional cooperation based on green transformation, connectivity, and economic integration.

“The ECO covers a vast area—8 million square kilometers and over half a billion people. This summit focused on climate resilience and sustainable development,” he said.

Erdoğan emphasized Turkey’s role in hosting ECO institutions like the Trade and Development Bank and the Regional Food Security Coordination Center. He also highlighted the significance of Erzurum’s designation as the ECO Tourism Capital of 2025, with Shusha set to follow in 2026.

The summit included side events focused on women, youth, and tourism, and leaders from across the ECO region—Pakistan, Iran, the Turkic states, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—were in attendance.

“With Shusha taking on the mantle in 2026, we aim to further deepen tourism cooperation. We are committed to a results-oriented, project-driven ECO,” Erdoğan said.

He concluded by stressing the importance of peace in Gaza and a continued dialogue with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the regional implications of Israel’s military actions.

“Our solidarity with Azerbaijan is stronger than ever,” Erdoğan said. “We leave Hankendi with a renewed commitment to peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation.”

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